Basic Details
Word: Repulse
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To drive someone or something back or away; to reject something in a strong way.
Synonyms: Reject, repel, fend off
Antonyms: Accept, welcome, embrace
Idioms and Phrases
- Repulse ones advances: To refuse someone's romantic gestures or attempts. Example: "She had to repulse his advances gently to avoid hurting his feelings."
- Repulse the enemy: To successfully drive back or defend against an attacking foe. Example: "The army managed to repulse the enemy's attacks during the battle."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The town built high walls to repulse any attacks from intruders.
Example 2: She felt it was important to repulse any unfair criticism during the meeting.
Example 3: The quick reflexes of the goalie helped to repulse the powerful shot on goal.
Fun Fact
The word "repulse" comes from the Latin word 'repulsare', which means "to drive back". It was used in English since the late 14th century, primarily in military contexts.
Famous Quote
"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar." Raymond Lindquist
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "repulse" mean?
a) To accept something
b) To drive someone back
c) To befriend someone
d) To cheer someone on
Answer: b) To drive someone back
2. Which of these is a synonym of "repulse"?
a) Embrace
b) Reject
c) Accept
d) Welcome
Answer: b) Reject
3. Which sentence uses "repulse" correctly?
a) He decided to repulse the meeting invite because he was busy.
b) The team tried to repulse the game with more points.
c) She used her charm to repulse everyone around her.
d) The soldiers successfully repulsed the attacking forces.
Answer: d) The soldiers successfully repulsed the attacking forces.
4. Which idiom refers to rejecting someone's efforts?
a) Repulse one's advances
b) Turn the tables
c) Fight fire with fire
d) Close the door
Answer: a) Repulse one's advances
5. What is the opposite of "repulse"?
a) Reject
b) Accept
c) Fight
d) Push back
Answer: b) Accept
